A new sports programme is expected to support the wellbeing of young people in Dzaleka and nearby communities through activities focused on protection, social development and peaceful coexistence.

The Sports for Protection programme targets young people aged between 10 and 24. It is being implemented by Dowa District Council through the District Sports Office, with technical support from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

Speaking during a review of the programme’s curriculum in Mponela, Dowa District Council Director of Economic Planning and Development Phillimon Maseko said many young people in Dzaleka continue to face emotional and psychological challenges linked to displacement.

“Many people in Dzaleka, including the youth, have been emotionally and psychologically affected by the experiences they have gone through,” Maseko said.

He said sports could give young people a space to interact, develop their abilities and recover from difficult experiences.

The programme will include basketball, netball, volleyball, tennis and chess. It will also bring together young people from different nationalities, cultures and communities.

Maseko said the activities could help keep young people away from risky behaviour while identifying and developing sporting talent.

He called for continued support from development partners and well-wishers, saying reduced humanitarian funding remains a concern in Dzaleka.

UNHCR Project Associate Tapiwa Mkandawire Gumbi said the agency is providing technical guidance, training and oversight for the programme.

She said UNHCR is also working with LIV Golf through a three-year partnership supporting the initiative.

Gumbi praised the Dowa team for developing the curriculum and said the review would help ensure the planned activities can be completed within the remaining implementation period.

Dzaleka Sports Association Coordinator Babwine Christian said the programme could also be used to educate young people about child protection, gender-based violence, early pregnancy and other issues affecting the community.

“We are hopeful that once the programme reaches all corners of the camp, it will bring positive change and restore hope among refugees and surrounding communities,” Christian said.

The curriculum was developed with input from the district’s social welfare, gender, sports, education and youth offices. Plan International Malawi, the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Malawi National Council of Sports were also involved.

This article is based on a Malawi News Agency report by Sylvester Kumwenda.